Illinois River?

Anyone been out to the Illinois river lately? I fish the bank around Kampsville, or just down the road at Godar-diamond landing. Was thinking of hitting the river this weekend for a day. If anyone knows whats going on there that'd be great!

No, I got my line wet a few times, when over by the mouth of macoupin and down close to the bridge and a few other holes, but never got a bite. It was really hard to keep the boat anchored, the river was really muddy and had a lot of trash in it too. I thought about trying it from the bank but didn't. If the river starts to drop and the water starts running out of the refuge it would probably be a good spot, but i'm not for sure if the gate was open to the refuge to let the water in or out or not.

Well, I think I may try a little on Sunday. Supposed to be about 50*. I fish from the bank and I think I'll try right at the landing there somewhere. Did you think of hitting the back waters there from the bank? That may be an idea. Heck, I'll have to try there too. lol You're more than welcome to join if you'd like.

I was in Ottawa today and the river is still high. I also went to Starve rock. They are digging the mud off the roads in the park; picnic tables are up against trees and the river is high. There are no beaches to be found yet, but some are launching boats. I didn't go to fish, I was just checking things out.

Bank fishing the Illinois can be difficult mostly due to access. However, if you can find some rocks or rip rap with decent current on them you should have pretty good luck. With the river going up and down this year I would also try to find some small tributaries and check those out, they can be good too.